I am looking for a new tripod. I have a Nikon FF (D700) but in the future I am planning to use mostly (if not always) micro four third with an Olympus EM1 MArkII. I would like an all around general tripod to use for landscape but also for portrait and any other activities. So I would like it sturdy but not too heavy (3 to 3.8 Lb). I am not planning to do big hikes with it, but would like to be able to do mostly few hours hikes or day hike at the most. (most of the time, I am photographing close to the car). Most of my pictures are done between 24mm and 200mm (FF equivalent) - No birding or very long focal length.
I would dprefer the height to be over 50" without center column.
I had been looking at Induro (CLT203) or Benro Mach 3 (TMA27C) as I read good reviews on those but looking at the center column data, I started to realize that for the same weight / height, Gitzo and RRS were really superior products although twice the price. Since I would rather buy one time a very good tripod and be done with it, I am considering Gitzo/RRS (I already have one that is not so good).
I don't plan to use the center column that often but it is nice to have when you don't need absolute stability and want a few inches higher (I know it compromise stability). But when I need something to just hold my camera and use higher shutter speed it is nice to have. Also It allows small variation in height easily.
So, I was thinking either
- Gitzo GT2532 - I like it because central column is easily removable for close to ground shots - 3.7 LB - 730$
- RRS TVC23 - Stiffer, lighter but more expensive ($900). No central column but I could add a central column if and when I need it and keep it lighter when I don't need it (changing center column requires more work than Gitzo though)
- I was also considering the Gitzo GT1532 but I am concerned that it might not be as stable and not as versatile.
Do you have any recommendation / experience for this type of usage with a micro four third camera (EM1 Mark II) ?. I think the stability of the tripod is more dictated by focal length and weather conditions than by the weight of the camera so it probably doesn't make a difference that I shoot MFT (although Olympus has good IBIS)
I have always said a tripod is forever. Cameras and lenses come and go. So go big, go good or your cheaper tripod will be on the junk heap with all those 125cc motorbikes, $50 charcoal grills and Polaroid cameras (smiling......). I like Sirui second best.
John
I prefer Gitzo tripods, especially the newer Mountaineer models with removable center column. If you don't need a center column, you could just remove it. That saves a bit of weight while still giving you a column when you want one (assuming you carry it with you). I prefer Series 3 units as I have bigger/heavier gear, but my old Series 2 (like what you're looking at) was fine for comparable gear to what you're looking at. But both the RRS and Gitzo units you're thinking about should serve you well for many years.
I also just acquired one of their Travelers and am very impressed. It's great for air travel and when lighter support is sufficient, but I wouldn't recommend it as an only tripod unless most of your use involved luggage constraints and/or load limitations. The Traveler is a very nice unit, though and an excellent complement to either of the heavier ones you're looking at.
If you can, see if there's a local camera club, meetup group, etc., where you might find someone who's got tripods for you to look at and handle.
I went for a Sachtler flowtech 75....blows all other tripods out of the water in my opinion. It's so fast and easy to operate. Probably the last tripod I'll ever need to buy.
I was previously considering a RRS unit. The cost was the only thing making me hesitate. After a lot of searching around, I ended up with a used Gitzo 1127 for $200 shipped from BHP. I added a used RRS-BH-30 lever lock ball head that I got from the classified section here. Total cost: $435. I figure that it was much less than a whole new RRS tripod and ball head, while still being a pretty solid set of legs.
It feels about the same weight as the aluminum Manfrotto tripod I got as a starter (Element Small I think the model was), and though it's a little longer when stored, it takes less time to set up due to the lever mount and having fewer leg sections. The Manfrotto got repurposed to my spotter scope for the time being.
My only annoyance with it so far is that the legs twist, so I have to hit the lock/unlock knobs in a certain order. That's a minor thing though. Apart from that it's been very solid for my purposes. It's even solid enough that I can lock my CZ 455 onto and shoot with it! (It has an Arca-Swiss plate on the chassis, right in front of the magazine well. Kind of a strange hobby convergence, but I'll take it.)
So.... Long story short, consider looking around at used Gitzo legs for a good value!
To Chez : Why spending more on a tripod ?
- That is a good question and I think there is no right / wrong answer to that. Each of us makes their own decision based on need but also more importantly what you like/want.
- For me, I have bought a cheaper tripod in the past (instead of a Gitzo) and was not completely happy with it. As I mentioned, given that I don't use it every day, I read very good things about Induro, Benro, Feisol and I was planning to buy one of those. There are very good photographers (better than me) using those. After all, carbon legs are for the most part carbon legs right ? until ...
1) I looked at a Gitzo in my store (WOW I perceived a difference, a smaller tripod seemed stiffer to me. Real or not I don't know, may be it was my imagination)
2) Then I read Dave's "Center Column" tests. Clearly the results seem to indicate that for the same weight / height Gitzo and even more RRS have a much better stability/rigidity which means you can have a lighter tripod for the same stability. So as I want this tripod for a long time, I am thinking I might splurge.
Back to Gitzo / RRS. (I want a 3 leg sections so it is easier to setup / more stable for the weight. I carry on backpack or in my hand. For travel it goes into my checked luggage anyway)
- I like Gitzo GT2532 Mountaineer because of the removable column. You can have the flexibility of the added height if you want while being able to remove it for close to ground shots very quickly and easily. To me that is brilliant and generate so much flexibility (To me, only that is worth price difference with other tripods). The price (700$) is very expensive but not as crazy as RRS. The stability is very good but not as good as RRS.
- I like RRS TVC23 because it is the most stable tripod you can get for this weight/height. It is relatively light at 3.3LB (lighter than the Gitzo 3.7LB). You can add a central column if you want but changing it is a little of a hassle (compared to Gitzo). You have flexibility between using with / without central column or even add a leveling base later ... The price is what I start calling crazy 900$ tripod + 100$ central column = $1000 which is 40% more than Gitzo.
on the subject of the adding and removal of the CP on a RRS or anything else. you feel that 3 screws is a hardship versus splitting what is supposed to be the strongest portion of your tripod, the apex as Gitzo does and have a clamping bolt? they had a little bit of history with that too. that history brought for a few 3rd party locking plates and a few redesigns. the RRS apex is designed to be the most rigid and secure setup for a modular tripod. and they are. of the 3 locking bolts that do secure it a single one suffices to locket in place. the other 2 just increase the lock/rigidity overall.
Agree with Steve above. I bought a RRS TVC-24 and sold my Gitzo 3541. The RRS is just a better tripod in the stability stakes. And fitting a center column to a RRS tripod has the same "level of difficulty" as fitting one to a Gitzo. I had to have a locking plate on the Gitzo for my peace of mind. Gitzo make good tripods but if you're choosing between Gitzo and RRS and you live in the US just the fact that Gitzo customer service is appalling in the US should make up your mind.
There is no perfect tripod. Regardless of the tripod you pick there is one that may be a bit more stable or a bit lighter or a bit cheaper. I thought I had the perfect tripod but eventually my photographic interests/needs evolved and now I need something heavier that I will use to complement my current lightweight Gitzo 1 series Mountaineer. Initially I was looking at getting the best possible replacement but then I realized I'd get better value by getting something to complement (rather than replace) my Gitzo. That said, some people instead will search for that best all-round tripod that will serve most of their needs.
My view on tripods has evolved. I think of them as I do of lenses. I don't want one single lens and instead spend thousands of dollars on a variety of glass - each for it's own purpose. Maybe tripods are the same - you'll get the best lightweight travel tripod and perhaps the best heavy stiff tripod (you can afford) when you meet conditions that the light travel tripod is inadequate (heavy winds).
That's my experience. Of course some people don't have the economic means to purchase more than 1 tripod and they have to compromise on either weight, size, stiffness or price.
peter_n wrote:
Agree with Steve above. I bought a RRS TVC-24 and sold my Gitzo 3541. The RRS is just a better tripod in the stability stakes. And fitting a center column to a RRS tripod has the same "level of difficulty" as fitting one to a Gitzo.
The original post looks like it refers to the Series 2 Mountaineer, whereas Peter seems to be referring to a Gitzo Systematic, which is a very different beast. I have both a Mountaineer and a Systematic (both Series 3) and have no issues. I just wish I had the newer Systematic with its redesigned spider and leg locks.
I'm still looking at the larger RRS, Gitzo and PMG models. One quick question. Has anyone flown with the larger tripods (70"+) and are you able to carry them on? I typically fly with a Thinktank Airport Security and have my tripod attached to the side and then just pull it off when I put the tripod in the overhead bin.
Abbott Schindl wrote:
The original post looks like it refers to the Series 2 Mountaineer, whereas Peter seems to be referring to a Gitzo Systematic, which is a very different beast. I have both a Mountaineer and a Systematic (both Series 3) and have no issues. I just wish I had the newer Systematic with its redesigned spider and leg locks.
Which redesign? I believe they did it multiple times in the past 5 years.
philmarion wrote:
There is no perfect tripod. Regardless of the tripod you pick there is one that may be a bit more stable or a bit lighter or a bit cheaper. I thought I had the perfect tripod but eventually my photographic interests/needs evolved and now I need something heavier that I will use to complement my current lightweight Gitzo 1 series Mountaineer. Initially I was looking at getting the best possible replacement but then I realized I'd get better value by getting something to complement (rather than replace) my Gitzo. That said, some people instead will search for that best all-round tripod that will serve most of their needs.
My view on tripods has evolved. I think of them as I do of lenses. I don't want one single lens and instead spend thousands of dollars on a variety of glass - each for it's own purpose. Maybe tripods are the same - you'll get the best lightweight travel tripod and perhaps the best heavy stiff tripod (you can afford) when you meet conditions that the light travel tripod is inadequate (heavy winds).
That's my experience. Of course some people don't have the economic means to purchase more than 1 tripod and they have to compromise on either weight, size, stiffness or price....Show more →
Seriously....try a Sachtler Flowtech 75...expensive...but pretty much perfect. All leg height adjustment done at the top of the tripod head. Mine stabilizes my ef 400mm f2.8 LIS (mk1) effortlessly.
Thanks all for your input, it is helpful to receive some other prospectives
SJMS, I think you have a point. I had that concern too, could the fact that the Gitzo Mountaineer column is split in 2 parts affect stiffness. Possible, not sure. I would think that if column is down, it is probably OK (no impact) but when extended it might make it less stiff. Obviously Suregrip system seems stronger and lighter. No doubt that the RRS TVC23 is stiffer than the GItzo GT2532 ("The central column" results seem clear and confirm what you would think intuitively. Now this said, how much does it really matter ? I suppose Gitzo is still very good and usable, price is also very different.
I have heard about the terrible service for Gitzo. Not sure but it is for sure an element of decision.
Anyway, I am leaning to RRS TVC23 + central column. At that price might as well splurge a little more and get RRS. (see below my reasoning about this combo)
I was also looking, OK should I go for the RRS 24L instead. Heavier but could use the first 3 legs and keep the fourth one only when needed. tests have shown that TVC24L is almost as stiff as TVC23 at the same height.
Another thinking :
Looking at "the central column" data I thought about something else. If you look at the TVC23 stiffness (~1900) and the TVC24L stiffness (~1100), knowing that the RRS central column perform really well (see tests), I would think that a TVC23+central column extended is as stable (or very close) as a TVC24L fully extended. If that is the case, TVC23 + central column is much more flexible and easier to use.
- TVC23 + central column is same price, about same height, about same weight and maybe about same stiffness as TVC24L ? Based on data I see, it might be close and therefore make the TVC23 + central column a better combo for me. Any input, experience ?
If you can handle the extra weight and cost (in that order), and if the 24 extends longer and is shorter when closed, go for the 24L. The extra length will help you in the field and its usefulness will increase as you learn how to use it. You can always not fully extend legs to get shorter, but you can't add length in the field when you need it.
I assume RRS's center column is at least as stiff as my Mountaineer, in which case it should be sufficient for your setup so you'll be fine. I assume you know that you should generally attain height via leg extension rather than column extension. The problem with a good column is that if (obviously) limits how low you can go without either removing the column or mounting the camera on the bottom of it, which was the main reason I bought my column-less Systematic. Also, if you need to be positioned with your legs under the tripod, the column will get in your way (I have to do this a lot for some of my photography in the field.
The note about Gitzo service is useful, but maybe more important is that Gitzo doesn't stock replacement parts after they discontinue a design. I've never had a Gitzo product need warranty servicing, but I've thought about getting replacement slides for the legs (the internal parts), and Gitzo doesn't stock them. While I've never worn out a part, I think it's more likely that a tripod might need replacements after many years of use.
Trying to talk to someone knowledgeable at Gitzo "support" was really frustrating the two times I called them with simple questions. Their "support" group is at HQ and their service center is in Arizona. But again, I've never really needed anything from service, either under warranty or otherwise. Same for the many people I know with RRS products: they're made very well and shouldn't need fixes or service under most conditions.
SJMS may know how long RRS stocks replacement parts and how easy it is to reach a knowledgeable RRS service person and get service if needed.
